Sony CLIE PEG-T615C Handheld

Three years ago I was on the market looking for a handheld. My hectic college schedule began to require more than just Post-It notes and reminders written on the back of my hand. So I started to shop around and do a lot of Internet research. My choices were whittled down to the Sony Clie PEG-T615c and the Compaq Ipaq. A quick visit to my local retailer, where I could actually feel and handle both items, led to me choosing the Sony over the Compaq because of it's slim, sleek interface.

Because I've had this thing for so long already, it'll be hard for me to write a review based on my earliest experiences. However, considering I'm still happily using this product speaks for itself.

Minimum System Requirements
- Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows ME, Windows XP
- Pentium processor 133MHz or more
- 32 MB RAM
- 128 MB hard drive space
- Hi-color resolution
- CD-ROM drive
- Mouse or pointing device
- USB connector

Components
In the package it came with:
- Clie handheld
- Stylus
- Hotsync/Charger cradle + USB connector
- Power cord
- Software CD-ROM
- Protective Soft Cover

Software Included
PC Applications
- Palm Desktop: Similar to MS Outlook
- Picture Gear 4.4 Lite: To store pictures
- QuickTime 5: To play movie clips
- DirectX 6: Perhaps for movie clips and pictures
- Memory Stick Export: For use with a memory stick (not included)
- Sound Converter: To store sounds on your handheld

Palm OS applications
- Clie Paint: Painting and drawing program
- World Alarm Clock
- Clie Remote Commander: For use on your TV, DVD, VCR, or stereo components.
- Sound Utility

Aesthetics
Sleek, Slim Design One of the things that initially drew me to this handheld was it's slim design and sleek style. Compared to the iPAQ at the time, the Clie was about half the thickness of the iPAQ.
Silver Aluminum Case Very clean design, but can be slippery at times.
Thumb-scroll button Makes for easy scrolling while reading emails or sorting through program menus.
Back button Allows you to go back to the previous menu you were in.
Indicator Light The indicator charger light let's you know when it's charging and when it's done.
Quick Buttons The quick buttons located at the bottom below the screen. They make for easy access to programmable functions such as your address book, schedule, task list, and memos.
Vibrating alarm Gives you the vibrate option in addition to a regular sound alarm.
Color Screen The brilliant, backlit color screen makes it easy to use both in high level and low level light situations. However, mine seems to have gotten a little dull over the years.

Setup
I couldn't ask for an easier setup. All I had to do was make sure everything was properly connected, put in the CD, install the necessary programs and drivers, and then press the HotSync button on the cradle and voila! Everything was up and running. Really the only arduous task was typing in a user name and plugging in the USB cable.

User Interface
The PalmOS software is very easy to use and setup. Everything is organized into its proper menus. You can even customize the menus to have all your more frequently used programs on one screen.

Problems
A few times my Clie has frozen up, but not often enough for it to be a nuisance. And being that it's a handheld computer, that's pretty much expected with the territory. However, if there ever is a problem (such as a frozen screen, etc.) there's a little reset button on the back side that can only be pressed by using the top end of the stylus (which unscrews to reveal the tiny point).

Negatives
Now that I've talked about all the positives in the beginning, here are the negatives:
- Replacement stylus is expensive. You can't just buy one, you have to buy 3 at a time, which can be up to $15+ dollars.
- After a few years of wear, the stylus holder gets a little loose and then the stylus becomes prone to falling out and getting lost in a purse or a backpack.
- The protective soft cover it comes with is kinda cheap and only covers the screen. I does very little to protect the body.
- The aluminum body can dent. This hasn't happened to me personally but I've heard it happen to other Clie users.
- Screen protectors are expensive (though that's just a general complaint of mine, and not necessarily that of the product)!
- No wireless modem.

Overall Thoughts
I'm truly very happy with this product and can only imagine that the newer models are 10x better if not just as good. I'm pretty sure that once this one reaches its last lifeline, I'll probably go with another Sony Handheld.